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Rae: A Hard Fought Encounter

Assistant Boss Reflects On Bolton Draw

Alex Rae was happy to settle for a point after a 'hard fought encounter' against Bolton Wanderers at Bloomfield Road.

Despite both sides creating chances in a match that was full of commitment, the game ended goalless and saw Blackpool draw their third consecutive fixture.

"It was a hard fought encounter. We knew it wasn't going to be easy because Bolton have a rich squad of players - you look at their bench and there's top players there," Rae said. "I suppose the most pleasing thing for me and the manager is that we've got a clean sheet and we can pride ourselves on that. It will give us a foundation to build on.

"There was a few chances for both teams, Beckford had a couple for them and obviously we had one from Thomas at the death for us and Dobbie had a really good run into the box. We nearly scored off a set-play in the first-half but they cleared it off the line."

Given the lack of goals, credit was always going to go to the respective defences and goalkeepers after some well-timed tackles and saves.

"It was one of those nights with a wee bit of huff and puff but it's another point towards where we want to get to. Every game you play in this division is an absolute battle and some of the defending from our boys was tremendous at times. Gillo made a save and Gary MacKenzie put his body on the line just to tip it round the post."

The mentality within the dressing room has clearly changed since Alex Rae joined Paul Ince at Bloomfield Road, and that is showing in such solid results.

"If we're not winning, we're not getting beat and I think that has to be the way forward for the club. We don't want to lose, particularly here at home, and the more games we can keep ticking points on the board keeps your momentum in the right direction," he added.